Loldia had good rain in November! The gardens are looking lovely and green and despite the downpour we have managed to plant a new ‘scrub’ garden and more bougainvillea.
Lake view from Loldia – photo credit Thor Karstad
We sadly had to say ‘Kwaheri’ to Jacob, one of our driver-guides, as he has now retired. We wish him well in his retirement!
Ndegwa, our wonderful Chef who has worked for Governors’ for so many years, is now also retired but he kindly came back to us for a few days to make the Christmas cakes, puddings and mince pies! There is no one better to do this for us and it was wonderful having him here. He was given such a warm welcome by all the staff.
Happy retirement to Ndegwa – photo credit Alisa Bowen
Although we have eliminated plastic water drinking bottles, plastic straws and plastic containers for our bathroom products at Loldia, we do of course still have the challenge of other types of single-use plastics.
We found out about a lady called Wacu who has started a collection center for different types of non-biodegradable waste. She has been accepting both glass and plastic bottles and containers from us such as PET and HDPE with the hope of converting these to yarn! Khangadelic is the name of her company, which symbolises the color and vibrancy of coastal culture and lifestyle, through contemporary clothing and accessories. With a love for both fashion and the environment, their plan is to sensitise households and establishments on the segregation of waste. As well as working on beach clean up exercises, one of their main goals is to start a recycling plant and to empower communities to be sustainable. We shall keep you updated on her progress, as this is sure to be a very interesting venture and most importantly, one that supports environmental concerns.
November is a month of hosting those in the travel trade and we have welcomed quite a number of agents for site inspections of Loldia. They have all been thrilled with the work and upgrades done over the last year and have of course been very impressed with such a stunning location.
Lunch setting on Loldia’s lawn – photo credit Shelly Walker
It’s been a pleasure welcoming back several groups of repeat guests – this is always very encouraging and so good to see them all once again. Those who are with us for three nights usually make use of all three days with a trip to Crescent Island, Lake Elmenteita for flamingoes, Nakuru National Park for the rhino, a walk through the beautiful Eburru Forest (weather permitting) and an outing on the lake with our new boat! If an activity-packed schedule is not what you’re after – there is always the infinity pool with stupendous views to enjoy as well as our little spa room offering massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.
Loldia’s infinity pool offers lake views – photo credit Shelly Walker
A huge ‘well done’ to Eburru Rafiki, our friends at neighbouring Eburru Forest, who have planted an impressive 11,400 indigenous tree seedlings this year (and 16,400 to date) – thank you to all their generous donors who have enabled these efforts! And thank you too, to our guests at Loldia who visit the forest as the small entry fee contributes towards the overall protection and upkeep of Eburru which is home to a variety of wildlife and bird species.
The de-snaring tracker team in Eburru – photo credit Rhino Ark & Calgary Zoo
A ‘buffalo cable trap’ discovered – photo credit Rhino Ark & Calgary Zoo
We are now looking forward to a busy, festive period here at Loldia!
By Heather Wallington, manager at Loldia House.
